Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

400 Idaho National Guard members leave Gowen Field, headed for Washington D.C.


400 Idaho National Guard members leave Gowen Field, headed for Washington D.C.
400 Idaho National Guard members leave Gowen Field, headed for Washington D.C.
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

400 Idaho National Guard members took off from Gowen Field Friday afternoon, headed for Washington D.C.

It’s a critical time, not only for Idaho Guard members, but for the entire nation.

Their mission is to protect lives and property in our nation’s capital.

“Preserve the peace, protect life and public safety,” Ltc. Benjamin Cook told CBS2. “We'll know more once we arrive on the scene and able to get a briefing from our District of Columbia National Guard representatives there."

Guard members could be assigned to guard public buildings and monuments, or assist local police and firemen.

Although the mission may be dangerous, these men and women know what they signed up for.

"When they asked for volunteers, I probably got a call in the early afternoon,” said Ssg. Antonia Lemos. “I called my husband. My husband's a military husband, so he said see ya later."

The guard will be well supplied with masks and other personal protective equipment. A pandemic is not the best time to be dealing with riots and protests.

"I think when we show up, they're gonna understand that we are there to help provide a peaceful solution and allow other community members to exercise their own constitutional rights," said Sgt. Roy Barrera.

The Idaho National Guard members arrived in Washington D.C. Friday night. Their initial deployment is for five days, but it may be extended depending on how the situation unfolds.

As for the cost of this operation. The federal government called on the Idaho National Guard for assistance, so it’s the federal government that will be footing the bill.

Loading ...